Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPROVED PACKAGE HAVING RECLOSEABLE POUR SPOUT
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates generally to recloseable packages, and
more
particularly to a package having a recloseable pour spout, which can be
configured to
include side gussets, and which is particularly suited for use for packaging
dry, pourable
contents.
Background Of The Invention
[0002] Recloseable packages have come into increasingly widespread use in
view of
the convenience they provide to consumers and other users to permit a portion
of a
package's contents to be used, and the package effectively reclosed. To this
end,
packages have been provided with recloseable elements including profile
fastener strips,
cooperating adhesive strips, hook-and-loop fastener elements, and the like, to
permit a
package to be conveniently reclosed after Its initial opening. U.S. Patents
No. 5,782,733,
No. 4,655,862, No. 4,844,759, and No. 4,909,017, disclose various recloseable
package
constructions, and methods for effecting their formation.
[0003] Packages formed in accordance with the above-referenced patents
typically
include a package portion which Is removable for initial opening of the
package, and for
providing access to a profile fastener strip orother type of recloseable
element. In typical
constructions known heretofore, the.recloseable element of the package extends
substantially completely across one dimension of the package, i.e., completely
across the
width of the package. Access to the package contents is thus facilitated.
[0004] For some applications, however, it can be desirable to maintain the
sealed
= integrity of a portion of the package, while an associated portion of the
package is
configured for recloseable opening. Such an arrangement permits a package to
be formed
to Include a pour spout, thus facilitating convenient pouring of the packages
contents, such
as dog food, fertilizer, dry cereal, or other dry, pourable materials. The
present invention is
directed to a package including a recloseable pour spout, which package can
desirably be
configured to include side gussets, thus desirably increasing the Internal
capacity of the
package with efficient use of packaging materials.
Summary Of The invention
[0005] The present invention is directed to a package including a pour
spout that can be
conveniently reclosed after the package is initially opened.- Notably, the
present package
can be configured to include side gussets, providing the package with a
configuration which
provides the package with desired intemal volume, and effident use of
packaging materials.
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The present package can include a longitudinal seal joining front and rear
package panels
to each other, adjacent to the pour spout, which desirably acts to close off
the interior of the
package after the pour spout has been initially opened. Additionally, when
provided with a =
pair of side gussets, the present package can include an arrangement of corner
seals
(sometimes referred to as quad seals) which desirably act to rigidify and
stabilize the
package and its contents in a free-standing orientation. In particular, corner
seals provided
at the one of the side gussets at which the pour spout is formed preferably do
not extend
the full length of the package. A method of making the package is also
disclosed, the
disclosed method facilitating use of the package with high-speed form, fill,
and seal (FFS)
. packaging machinery, for efficient and economical use.
[0006] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present package
includes a
front package panel and a rear package panel, with the illustrated embodiment
further
including a pair of side gussets joining respective' opposite edges of the
front panel and the
rear panel to each other. While the present package is illustrated as
including side gussets,
it will be understood that the present package may be configured without such
side gussets,
in a so-called "pillow pack" configuration.
[0007] The package of the present invention further includes a recloseable
fastener strip
extending from confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package
panels, that is,
from a portion of an inside surface of the front panel to a portion of an
inside surface of the
rear panel. If the package is configured to include side gussets, the fastener
strip extends
along an inside surface of one of the gussets. The fastener strip may be
provided in the
form of a profile fastener strip, an adhesive fastener strip, or a hook-and-
loop fastener strip,
such that the fastener strip is configured for detachable connection to
itself.
[0008] The front and rear panels, and the side gussets, if provided, are
sealed to each
other at an upper edge of the package to form a sealed header, a portion of
which is
removable to form a pour spout of the package. The removable portion of the
header is
positioned above and adjacent to the fastener strip of the package, with the
fastener strip
thus being positioned for reclosing the pour spout after initial package
opening. This is
easily effected by folding the fastener strip and connecting it to itself,
thereby closing the
pour spout of the package. While a portion of the sealed header of the package
is
removable, the remainder of the sealed header remains intact, thus maintaining
the integrity
of the package.
(0009] To facilitate opening of the removable portion of the sealed header,
the package
preferably includes at least one weakened region, such as provided in the form
of scoring,
perforations, or the like. If the package is provided with side gussets, the
weakened region
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preferably extends through that one of the side gussets provided at that
portion of the
package providing the pour spout. .
[0010] Efficient formation of the present package is achieved by providing
a web of
material having a longitudinal axis, and applying a plurality of fastener
strips to the web of
material at intervals corresponding to a length of each of the packages being
formed. Each
fastener strip extends transversely of the longitudinal axis of the web of
material. As will be
appreciated, a web of materiai having fasteners pre-applied thereto can be
rolled and
stored, and thereafter used in conjunction with a form, fill, and seal machine
for completing
package formation attendant to product filling. Alternatively, the present
packages can be
formed in a so-called "in-line" process, wherein the fastener strips are
applied to the web of
material as the material and strips are fed into a form, fill, and seal
machine,, and other
packaging systems, including pouch-making equipment.
[0011] Package formation is effected by folding the web of material, and
sealing the
material to itself to form a tube. The tube is transversely sealed to form a
series of
packages in end-to-end relationship, with each package including a front
package panel and
a rear package panel. A respective one of the fastener strips extends from a
portion of the
front panel to a portion of the rear panel of the respective package, thereby
forming the
desired recloseable pour spout. A pair of inwardly extending side gussets can
be formed in
the tube prior to the transversely sealing step, with each fastener strip
extending from the
front panel to the rear panel of the respective package along an inside
surface of a
respective one of the side gussets.
[0012] The present package can be formed in alternative ways, depending
upon the
specific application. In one form, the web of material is sealed to itself
generally along the
rear panel of each package. Formation in this fashion includes application of
a plurality of
fastener strips to the web of material offset from the longitudinal axis
thereof, whereby the
desired pour spout is provided at an upper corner of each package being
formed.
Alternatively, the web of material can be sealed to itself generally along an
edge of the front
panel or rear panel of each package, such as at one of the side gussets, which
can be
desirable for providing an unseamed rear panel having suitable graphics or the
like thereon.
Formation in this manner can be effected by application of a plurality of
fastening strips to
the web of material in alignment with the longitudinal axis thereof, that is,
with each of the
fastener strips intersecting the longitudinal axis. Formation in this fashion
can be desirable
if packages are to be formed by pre-application of the fastener strips to the
web of material,
followed by forming a roll of the material for subsequent unrolling and use
with a form, fill,
and seal machine. The manner in which each fastener strip is positioned in
alignment with
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the longitudinal axis of the web of material provides a "centered" disposition
for the fastener
strips, thus facilitating roll formation of the web of material with the pre-
applied fastener
strips.
(0013] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present package
can include
a longitudinal seal which joins the front package panel and rear package panel
to each other
adjacent to the pour spout. The longitudinal seal can be configured to extend
from adjacent
the pour spout and overlap the associated reCloseable fastener strip, which
desirably can be
provided with a length greater than the periphery of the pour spout to promote
efficient
manufacture. Alternatively, the longitudinal seal can be configured to extend
from adjacent
the pour spout to overlap the fastener strip above the fastener element
thereof. The
provision of this longitudinal seal desirably acts to close the interior of
the package after
removal of the header portion of the package for formation of the package pour
spout.
(0014] The present package may also be configured to include an arrangement
of
corner seals, sometimes referred to as quad seals, which desirably act to
rigidify and
stabilize the package and its contents In a free-standing orientation. In
particular, the
package may include a pair of comer seals at each of the side gussets
respectively joining
each of the side gussets to the front and rear package panels. Notably, the
corner seals of
the one of the gussets at which the pour spout is formed each extend
downwardly from a
point below a fastener element of the fastener strip, thereby facilitating
formation of the pour
spout as the package assumes a generally U-shaped configuration when the pour
spout is
opened and formed. This arrangement desirably avoids formation of comer seals
at the
fastening element of the fastener strip itself, which could undesirably
inhibit the desired
function of the fastener strip. In a further embodiment, a pair of auxiliary
corner seals can
be formed respectively joining the one of the gussets to the front and rear
package panels
above the fastener strip, with the auxiliary corner seals preferably provided
in the sealed
header of the package to facilitate removal thereof. Thus, as will be
appreciated, the corner
seals formed along the gusset of the package at which the pour spout is formed
can be
discontinuous, i.e., each extend above and below the fastener strip, but not
across the
fastener strip.
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[0014a] According to another aspect, there is provided a package having a
recloseable pour spout, comprising:
a front package panel, a rear package panel sealed to each other to form a
sealed header; and
a recloseable fastener strip extending in a transversal direction parallel to
the
header along confronting inside surfaces of said front and rear panels;
said fastener strip being configured for detachable connection to itself, to
thereby
form a recloseable pour spout at an upper edge of said package after opening
of said
upper edge to form said pour spout, a portion of said sealed header being
removable,
said fastener strip having a length greater than the periphery of said pour
spout, and
said fastener strip being single strip that can be folded and attached to
itself.
[0014b] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of
forming a
package with a recloseable pour spout, comprising the steps of:
providing a web of material having a longitudinal axis;
applying a plurality of fastener strips to said web of material offset from
the
longitudinal axis thereof at intervals corresponding to a length of each said
package
being formed, said fastener strips each extending transversely of said
longitudinal axis
and each being detachably connectable to itself;
folding said web of material, and sealing the material to itself to form a
tube;
transversely sealing said tube to form a series of packages in end-to-end
relationship, with each said package comprising a front package panel, a rear
package
panel joined to each other at a sealed header, with a respective one of said
fastener
strips extending from a portion of the front panel to a portion of the rear
panel of the
respective package to form a recloseable pour spout;
a portion of said sealed header being removable, each said fastener strip
having
a length greater than the periphery of said pour spout, and
said fastener strip is a single strip that can be folded and attached to
itself.
[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become
readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying
drawings,
and the appended claims.
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Brief Description Of The Drawings
[0016] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a package including a recloseable
pour spout
embodying the principles of the present invention, with the illustrated
embodiment including
side gussets;
[0017] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the package shown in FIGURE 1
illustrating
the package after the pour spout thereof has been opened;
[0018] FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrating the
present package
after the pour spout thereof has been closed;
[0019] FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present package taken
generally along
lines 4-4 of FIGURE 1;
[0020] FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present package taken
generally along
lines 5-5 of FIGURE 2;
[0021] FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present package taken
generally along
lines 6-6 of FIGURE 3;
[0022] FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the present
package taken
generally. along lines 7-7 of FIGURE 2;
[0023] FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the present
package taken
generally along lines 8-8 of FIGURE 3;
[0024] FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating formation
of the
present package; and
[0026] FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a modified
method of
forming the package of the present invention.
[0026] FIGURE 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a further
embodiment
of the present package including a reclaseable pour spout.
Detailed Description
[0027] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various
forms, there
is shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, a presently
preferred
embodiments of the invention, with the understanding that the present
disclosure is to be
considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to
limit the invention to
the specific embodiment illustrated. ,
[0028] The present invention discloses a package, which can be configured
to include
side gussets, wherein an upper corner of the package can be opened to form a
pour spout.
As will be further described, the package includes a fastener strip on the
inside of the
package which facilitates convenient reclosing of the pour spout after initial
opening. A
fastener strip is employed which is sufficiently flexible as to permit the
package to assume a
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normal configuration before opening, with the fastener strip having a
generally W-shape if
the package includes side gussets. After initial package opening, a generally
U-shaped
pour spout is formed, with the now-exposed fastener strip on the inside of the
package
permitting the pour spout to be conveniently reclosed for subsequent pouring
of the
package contents. The present package is particularly suited for use for dry,
pourable
contents, such as dog food, dry cereal, fertilizer, and the like.
[0029] With particular reference to FIGURE 1, the present package '10 can
be suitably
formed from a wide variety of materials, including plastic film, paper,
laminate composites,
and the like, as is well-known in the art. The package 10 includes a generally
rectangular
front package panel 12 and a generally rectangular rear package panel 14,
which in the
illustrated embodiment are joined to each other at respective opposite edges
by a pair of
inwardly extending side gussets 16 and 18. As will be appreciated, the package
embodying
the principles of the present invention can be provided without side gussets,
with the
respective edge portions of front panel 12 and rear panel 14 connected
directly to each
other, in the form of a so-called "pillow pack".
[0030] As will be further described, package 10 is formed from a web of
material which
is shaped into a tube, with the material joined to itself along a seam which
extends along the
length of the web of material. Package 10 thus includes a back seam 20, but it
is within the
purview of the present invention that the seam at which the web of material is
joined to itself
can be provided generally at the edge of one of the front or rear panels, with
the seam thus
being positioned generally within one of the side gussets 16, 18.
[0031] Package 10 is closed and sealed at upper and lower portions thereof
by
transverse seals. Bottom seal 22 joins front and rear panels 12 and 14 to each
other, and to
side gussets 16, 18. Depending upon the specific configuration which is
desired, the side
gussets can be sealed "closed" at the top and bottom seals, or can be left
"open", as
illustrated, that is, each of the side gussets forms a generally V-shape at
the top and bottom
of the package.
[0032] An upper transverse seal of the package 10 joins front panel 12 and
rear panel
14 to each other, and to side gussets 16 and 18, and thus forms a sealed
header 24 of the
package 10.
[0033] In accordance with the present invention, an upper marginal corner
portion 25 of
package 10, including a portion of sealed header 24, is removable for forming
a pour spout
for the package '10. To this end, the package 10 is optionally provided with a
weakened
region 26 at an upper corner of the package which facilitates removal of the
portion 25
generally within the weakened region 26. Weakened region 26 may comprise
suitable
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perforations, scoring such as by knife or laser, or other weakening of the
region to facilitate
convenient removal of the upper corner portion,2.5, of, the package by a
consumer. In the
illustrated embodiment, weakened region 26 is shown as a series of
perforations, with the
weakened region extending into and throUgh side gusset 16 which is disposed at
that side
of the package 10 at which the pour spout is provided. A weakened region 26 is
not
necessary for practice of the present invention, since a portion of the
package header 24
can alternatively be removed by a user by use of a suitable knife, scissors,
or the like.
(0034] FIGURE 2 illustrates the present package 10 after fracture of
weakened region
26, and removal of portion 25 of the package, including a portion of sealed
header 24, to
form a pour spout, generally designated 28. As will be observed, side gusset
16 is generally
inverted or outwardly turned for formation of the pour spout 28, thus
facilitating convenient
dispensing of the contents of the package 10. As shown, the remaining portion
of sealed
header 14 remains intact, thus providing desired integrity for the package as
it is
manipulated to pour contents therefrom.
(0035] In accordance with the present invention, convenient reclosing of
pour spout 28
is effected by the provision of fastener strip 30 which is secured to the
inside surface of the
package 10. As illustrated, fastener strip 30 extends between confronting
surfaces of front
panel 12 and rear panel 14, that is, extends along a portion of the front
panel and a portion
of the back panel, generally beneath the pour spout 28 defined by weakened
region 26 of
the package, preferably generally along one side of the longitudinal
centerline of the
package. If the package 10 includes side gussets as illustrated, the fastener
strip 30
extends along the inside surface of side gussets 16. By this arrangement, the
fastener strip
30, which is selected to exhibit the necessary flexibility, has a generally W-
shape prior to
opening of the package (see FIGURE 4), and assumes a generally loop-shape or U-
shape
after the pour spout has been opened (FIGURE 5).
[0036] Fastener strip 30 is configured for detachable connection to itself,
and in this way
fadlitates convenient closing of the pour spout after the desired quantity of
the contents of
package 10 have been dispensed. The fastener strip is simply folded and
pressed against
itself, as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4, thus closing the pour spout 28. As
will be
observed, side gusset 16 is maintained in its outwardly extending disposition,
thus
facilitating detachable securement of the fastener strip 30 to itself
substantially along its
entire folded length. The package 10 is now effectively closed for subsequent
reuse.
(0037] The specific configuration of fastener 30 can be varied while
keeping with the
principles disclosed therein. In one presently contemplated embodiment, the
fastener strip
30 is provided in the form of a so-called profile fastener strip, which
typically includes at
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least 2 upstanding elements 32 which define a groove therebetween, such that
the groove
can receive one of the upstanding elements when.the fastener strip is :folded
onto itself.
U.S. Patents No. 4,655,862, and No. 4,844,759, both hereby incorporated by
reference,
illustrate interlocking profile fastener strips which have the ability to lock
onto themselves
when the profile strip is folded. Such recloseable interlocking profile strips
contain at least
one "unisex" rib and groove locking feature.
[0038] It is presently preferred that fastener strip 30 includes at least
two groups of
profile elements 32 (FIGURE 7), each group being of a "unisex" configuration,
with each
group of elements being engageable with itself to provide the desired self-
locking action.
Aside from providing enhanced sealing, the preferred provision of plural
groups of self-
engaging profile elements provides desirably enhanced tactile use of the
present invention,
enhancing convenient manipulation of the pour spout.
[0039] Fastener strip 30 may alternatively be configured as an adhesive
closure, such
as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,898,787, hereby incorporated by reference.
These types
of adhesive closures include cold sealable, pressure-sensitive co-adhesive,
This type of
pressure sensitive closure exhibits a low surface tack and are co-adhesive
only when placed
under pressure in contact with other cold sealable, co-adhesive coated
surfaces. The
pressure- sensitive side of these types of cohesive closures can be folded so
that the
cohesive side is in contact with itself for use in a package embodying the
present invention,
[0040] It is further contemplated that fastener strip 30 may be configured
as a so-called
hook-and-loop closure, as are known in the art. When configured in this form,
the fastener
strip may include two distinct portions, one having the so-called hook
elements, and the
other including the so-called loop elements, generally configured such that
the strip can be
folded at its midpoint and secured to itself throughout its folded length.
Alternatively, a
hook-and-loop fastener can be employed which includes elements throughout its
length
which can function as both "hooks" and as "loops", whereby the fastener strip
30 can be
adhered to itself. For example, fasteners of this nature are known which
include a plurality
of closely-spaced, generally mushroom-shaped upstanding elements which are
configured
for detachable interengagement with like elements,
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, fastener strip 30 is shown as a
flanged profile
fastener strip, including profile elements 32 and upper and lower flange
portions 34 and 36
(see FIGURES 7 and 8). Profile elements 32 may be formed separately from, or
integrally
with, flange portions 34, 36, with it presently preferred that the fastener
strip 30 for the
package 10 be configured as an integrated, single piece component for
application to and
disposition on the inside surface of the package.
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[0042] As will be appreciated, profile elements 32 provide the attachment
elements for
detachable connection of the fastener strip 30 to itself, while upper and
lower flange portions
34, 36 facilitate handling of each fastener strip, and securement to the
associated web of
material from which the package 10 is formed. In this regard, it is preferred
that the profile
elements 32, or the one or more attachment elements of a fastener strip 30
provided in
another form, be positioned as closely as practicable to the sealed header 24
of the
package, thus minimizing the unsealed region which exits between the header
and the
attachment element of the fastener strip. This spacing, designated S in FIGURE
3, is
preferably about 0.1875 inches to about 0.75 inches, thus providing sufficient
space for
forming equipment to form the necessary seal between upper flange portion 34
and the
associated film material during package formation. To achieve this preferred
spacing, the
lower flange portion 36 may have a larger dimension than upper flange portion
34.
[0043] In accordance with the present invention, the present recloseable
package can
be provided with a longitudinal seal 40 which is provided adjacent to pour
spout 28 and joins
front panel portion 12 and rear panel portion 14 to each other. Longitudinal
seal 40
desirably acts to close the interior of the package after removal of corner
portion 25 of
sealed header 24, thus desirably maintaining the integrity of the package's
contents. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-3, longitudinal seal 40 extends from
adjacent the pour
spout 28 inwardly of the recloseable fastener strip 30, and preferably
overlaps the fastener
strip to seal the ends of the strip together. Fastener strip 30 can preferably
be provided with
a length that is greater than the periphery of the open pour spout 28, thus
desirably avoiding
the need for excessive precision in positioning of the fastener strip.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 11, a
longitudinal seal 40' is
provided, wherein the longitudinal seal extends from adjacent the pour spout
of the package
to overlap the fastener strip 30 above the fastener element thereof.
[0046] As will be appreciated, the longitudinal seal, 40, 40', desirably
closes off the
opening that is formed in the package once the removable header portion of the
package is
removed to form the package pour spout. Formation of the longitudinal seal 40,
40' is
effected after the material from which the package is formed is shaped into a
tube, as
further described hereinafter.
[0046] With further reference to FIGURE 11, when the present package is
provided with
side gussets, the package may be provided with an arrangement of corner seals,
sometimes referred to as quad seals, which desirably act to rigidify and
stabilize the
package and its contents in a free-standing orientation. Corner seals of this
nature can be
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provided generally in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No.
5,862,652, with
the exception that the corner seals formed on the side of the package at which
the pour
spout is formed do not extend the full length of the package.
[0047] In particular, FIGURE 11 illustrates a pair of corner seals 42 at
side gusset 18,
and another pair of corner seals 44 at side gusset 16, at which the pour spout
is formed.
The pair of corner seals at each of the gussets respectively join each of the
gussets to the
front and rear package panels 12 and 14. As will be noted, corner seals 44 at
side gusset
18 preferably extend substantially the full length of the package 10.
[0048] In contrast, corner seals 44 at side gusset 16, the one of the
gussets at which
the pour spout is formed, do not extend the full length of package 10. Rather,
corner seals
44 each extend downwardly from a point below the fastener element (e.g.,
profile element)
of the fastener strip 30, with this point preferably being spaced below the
fastener element.
This spacing Is preferably selected so that the corner seals do not
significantly inhibit
shaping of the side gusset 16 and the front and rear package panels to the
desired
generally U-shaped configuration of the pour spout 28 during use. If the
corner seals 44
extend too closely to the fastener element of the fastener strip 30, they can
undesirably
inhibit the package assuming the desired U-shaped configuration in the region
of the pour
spout. As will be appreciated, it is particularly preferred that the corner
seals 44 do not
extend over or intersect the fastener element of the fastener strip 30, which
could otherwise
undesirably inhibit the desired self-seallng nature of the fastener strip 30.
[0049] FIGURE 11 Illustrates a further optional feature of the present
invention, wherein
auxiliary corner seals 46 are provided which respectively join side gussets 16
to the front
and rear package panels above the fastener strip 30. The auxiliary corner
seals 46 are
preferably provided in the sealed header 24 of the package, preferably above
any weakened
region 26.. This arrangement facilitates manual removal of upper corner
portion 25 since
each auxiliary comer seal 46 is somewhat rigid, by virtue of its sealed
nature, thus
facilitating manipulation of the comer portion 25 at weakened portion 26,
which can extend
beneath each of the auxiliary corner seals 46.
[0050] Thus, the preferred arrangement of comer seals 42, 44 desirably
prevents the
comer seals from limiting the size of the pour spout, which could otherwise be
the case if
the comer seals 44 are provided too close to the fastener elements of the
fastener strip 30
to prevent the pour spout from opening fully. In the preferred form, each
comer seam 44 is
spaced below the fastener elements 32 of the fastener strip by a distance
which generally
corresponds to the distance between each comer seal 44 and the fold of the
respective
gusset 16, i.e., the folded width of the gusset This facilitates the pour
spout fully opening.
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[0051] FIGURES 9 and 10 diagrammatically illustrate formation of the
present package,
which as noted above, can be effected by pre-application of fastener strips 30
to a web of
material from which the package is formed, for subsequent use with a form,
fill, and seal
machine, or performed in-line with a form, fill, and seal machine.
[0052] A web of material W from which package 10 is formed, can be provided
in roll
form, and unwound so that the web of material defines a longitudinal axis. A
plurality of the
fastener strips 30 are provided, and are applied to the web of material W at
intervals l which
correspond to the length of each package being formed. As noted, each fastener
strip 30
preferably is applied as a single piece of material during formation in this
manner, even if
each fastener strip itself comprises discrete portions, such as profile
elements and
associated flange portions.
[0053] After each fastener strip 30 is applied to the web of material so
that it extends
transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof, the web of material is folded,
and sealed to
itself to form a tube. In this fashion, back seam 20 is formed. The tube of
material is
transversely sealed to form a series of packages in end-to-end relationship,
with each
package including front and rear panels, as described above. As illustrated, a
respective
one of the fastener strips 30 extends from a portion of the front panel to a
portion of the rear
panel of the respective package, to thereby form the recloseable pour spout of
the package.
If the package is to be provided with side gussets, as illustrated, the web of
material is
guided with respect to suitable plow which form the side gussets prior to
transverse sealing
of the tube.
[0054] As illustrated in FIGURE 9, the web of material W is sealed to
itself generally
along the rear panel 14 of each package being formed, with a plurality of
fastener strips 30
applied to the web of material in offset relationship from the longitudinal
axis thereof, In
contrast, FIGURE 10 illustrates formation of the package seam generally at one
of the
Junction lines between the front and rear panels and the side gussets, that
is, generally at
one of the edges of the front and rear panels within the associated side
gusset. If the
present package is to be formed in this fashion, the plurality of fastener
strips 30 are applied
to the web of material in alignment with the longitudinal axis thereof, that
is, generally
intersecting the longitudinal axis. Formation in this fashion creates a
package wherein the
longitudinal seam thereof is not disposed'on either the front or rear panel,
thus facilitating
display of graphics or the like on the panels. Additionally, when the fastener
strips 30 are
pre-applied to the web of material as illustrated in FIGURE 10, such as for
storage in roll
form prior to use with a form, fill, and seal machine, disposition of the
fastener strip
generally at the centerline of the web of material provides a more stable roll
of material.
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CA 02626258 2008-04-16
WO 2007/047393 PCT/US2006/039938
[0055] As will be appreciated, creation of a package having a recloseable
pour spout in
accordance with the present invention contemplates that only a portion of the
package, at
which the pour spout is formed, be configured for reclosing. As such, fastener
strips 30
need only extend along a portion of each of the front and rear panels of the
package, and
along the inside surface of one of the side gussets of the package, if side
gusseted.
Accordingly, each fastener strip has a length, when folded in half, which is
less than one-
ha)f the width of the tube, in a flattened state, from which each package is
formed.
[0056] Thus, a package which may be side gusseted is disclosed which
includes a
recloseable pour spout. Disposition of the fastener strip of the package
adjacent to a
removable portion thereof facilitates convenient opening and reclosing of the
pour spout, as
desired. When reclosed, the side gusset of the package need not be returned to
its initial
inward disposition, and thus the fastener strip of the package need not be
returned to its
initial W-shape. Prior to opening, it is presently preferred that the fastener
strip not be
attached to itself, thus facilitating convenient formation of the package pour
spout after
opening. However, for some applications it may be desirable for the W-shaped
fastener
strip to be secured to itself.
[0057] While it is preferred that the package 10 be provided with a
weakened region 26
to facilitate opening, the provision of such a region is not required, since
the package can be
suitably opened such as by cutting with a scissors or knife. Again, it is
contemplated that
only a portion of the sealed header of the package be removed during opening,
thus
maintaining the remainder of the header intact for the integrity of the opened
package.
[0058] From the foregoing, numerous modifications and variations can be
effected
without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the
present
invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the
specific embodiment
disclosed herein are intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is
intended to cover, by
the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the
claims.
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